Home & Family

Have you always wanted to develop a plan to make the most of your yard and garden? Then this field-based class is for you!

After the first meeting, classes will meet at each participant's property where individualized, site-specific options will be developed. Organic practices will be emphasized as well as the incorporation of native plants, especially those important for birds, bees, butterflies, and other beneficials.

Dates and times of meetings after the first session will change subject to participant approval. Class will include a visit to Sharon's nursery in Washington where she specializes in heirloom vegetables and flower seedlings, native perennials, shrubs and trees.

Spring is on its way and soon there will be an influx of properties on the market for sale. This course will answer questions like, do I need to paint? Should I replace appliances? Is it necessary to repair that leaky roof? We all have ideas about how to make our property appealing to perspective buyers. Let Geri Doyle, a realtor who has been in the business for over thirty years, explain to you what items need your attention as well as those that will not be worth your investment of both time and money. Geri's expertise will guide you to making your property the one people want to buy.

Interested in learning how to grow your own vegetables in a sustainable manner? Join us for a workshop on how to grow your own garden organically.

We’ll talk about the basics of soil science and how to enrich your soil to produce healthy, high-yielding plants. The course will also cover the fundamentals of making and using compost, the principles of crop rotation and how to incorporate green manures to manage nutrients in the garden.

Other topics will include how to tell the difference between cultivated plants and weeds, basic weed control strategies and cultural methods for dealing with pests.

We will even send you home with free seeds! All are welcome, from first-timers to experienced gardeners who want to experiment with new techniques.

Do you want a lush green lawn safe for kids, pets and the environment and save time and money?

Join us to learn how to create a more resilient, beautiful lawn, without relying on chemical fertilizers and weed and bug killers. We’ll provide strategies for building healthy soil to grow a beautiful lawn.

Topics include

fertilizing

controlling weeds and thatch

renovating poor lawns

transitioning to organic care and more.

Whether you maintain your own lawn or hire a professional, this class is for you! Kat Munson is the Education and Outreach Coordinator at the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Registration and payment must be made through Coastal Enterprises Inc. at www.ceimaine.org or call (207)504-5900.

This course brings participants through the entire home-buyng process. Topics include preparing for home ownership, obtaining a mortgage, and choosing the right home for you. Learn more about the MSHA Advantage Program $3500 assistance with closing costs, evaluating your credit, types of mortgages (MSHA, RHA, VA, etc.), the closing and beyond. Participants must attend all four sessions and will receive a letter of completion. Bring a calculator, pencil and notebook to class. Please do not bring children to class. Registration fee is $30.00 per person or $50.00 for couples purchasing together.

Indoor air quality is now recognized as a major environmental concern and is identified as a source of minor and major health problems. Come and learn the simple steps you can take to make your home environment healthier for you and your family.

This session will discuss the most common pollutants found indoors in Maine, and provide easy, practical approaches to reduce or remove them. Special emphasis will be given to mold and moisture problems in homes, which are a common cause for concern.

This is a great session for homeowners and home buyers, as well as tenants.

Free test kits will be given to attendees.

Presented by the Maine Indoor Air Quality Council Presenter:Kurt Johnson, Fresh Air Ventilation, Inc.

Turn that patch of ground into something beautiful and productive. Planning and preparation are the key to satisfying flower and vegetable gardens. The instructor will address the topics of choosing the best location, soil preparation, garden design, plant varieties, seed starting, mulching, composting and fertilizing.

Organic and "low till" practices and the inclusion of plants attractive to birds, bees, butterflies and other beneficials will be emphasized.

Class will include a visit to Sharon's nursery in Washington for additional instruction.

This seminar provides critical information about important legal issues pertaining to people over age 65. Each legal topic will take ten minutes, just long enough to go over the basics that you need to know.

Topics include

the most important document needed to protect your assets

how to not lose everything to long-term care costs

what is the five-year look back

and seven more essential do's and don'ts.

We'll wrap up with common questions/concerns from the group. This class is appropriate for those 65 or older and for others who may be helping older individuals.